Bear hunting chances during deer season in W.Va.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is reminding deer hunters that a concurrent bear season without dogs is taking place in eight counties later this month.Officials say the concurrent black bear hunting opportunities will take place from Nov. 19 until Dec. 1 in Boone, Fayette, Hampshire, Kanawha, Monongalia, Morgan, Preston and Raleigh counties. That's an increase from seven counties that were open during the 2011 buck gun season.

Other bear hunting opportunities are available after the buck gun season as well.Officials say all or parts of 24 counties will be open for bear hunting with or without hounds Dec. 3 through 31. Additionally, all or parts of 37 counties will be open for bear hunting without hounds during that same period.More information is available at http://www.wvdnr.gov.